Tunisia 2025 — Official Websites and Practical Guide for Foreign Companies

This guide collates the key Tunisian government departments and official portals that foreign companies need when registering a business, filing taxes, complying with labor law, and applying for work visas in 2025. It also summarizes recent policy directions and offers step-by-step procedures and important precautions to help foreign investors and their advisors operate smoothly in Tunisia.

Quick reference table: government departments and portals

2025 policy highlights and interpretations

While Tunisia continues to evolve its business environment, a few policy themes remain central in 2025:

• Economic stabilization and investor confidence: Authorities emphasize transparency in registration and tax systems and encourage digitalization of formalities to speed up approvals.
• Tax compliance and reporting: Expect continued focus on improved electronic tax filing, stricter documentation for transfer pricing in cross-border operations, and targeted measures to broaden the tax base while preserving incentives for priority sectors.
• Labor regulation enforcement: Labor inspectors are applying employment law consistently; employers must ensure correct contract types, working hours, and social security contributions.
• Visa and work permits: Streamlined e‑procedures are being piloted in many consular posts, but local requirements (medical checks, criminal record certificates) still apply and timelines vary.

Case examples

Example 1 — Software subsidiary: A European software firm established a Tunisian SARL in 2023. Key success factors included early contact with the local investment agency to confirm incentives, using a trusted local accountant for tax registration, and timely CNSS enrollment of employees to avoid retroactive fines.

Example 2 — Manufacturing plant: A mid-size manufacturer used a special economic zone incentive in 2024 and benefited from reduced customs duties. The company coordinated with the customs office and ATI to meet content and local employment requirements for incentive eligibility.

Step-by-step: company registration (typical flow)

1. Preliminary research: Verify company name availability and legal form (e.g., SARL, SA). Check sector-specific permits.
2. Prepare documentation: passports, articles of association, proof of address, bank statements, director IDs and notarized signatures (as required).
3. File incorporation: Submit documents to the local Commercial Register / Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE). Obtain the registration number (RNE).
4. Tax registration: Register with the tax authority (DGI) and obtain tax ID; choose appropriate tax regime and accounting system.
5. Social security registration: Enroll employees with CNSS and set up payroll reporting.
6. Licenses and permits: Apply for sector permits (health, environment, customs) where needed.
7. Open bank account: Use local bank for capital deposit and ongoing operations; banks often require corporate documents and KYC checks.

Step-by-step: tax filing and compliance

1. Set accounting periods and determine tax regime (real profits vs. simplified regimes).
2. Keep consistent, date-stamped records of invoices, customs paperwork and contracts.
3. File VAT returns and corporate income tax declarations on time via the official e‑platform (where available).
4. If cross-border transactions exist, document transfer pricing policies and prepare contemporaneous files to support intercompany pricing.
5. Respond promptly to tax authority notices; use formal channels listed on the Ministry of Finance portal.

Step-by-step: hiring and labor compliance

1. Draft employment contracts that comply with Tunisian Labor Code provisions on probation, working hours and termination.
2. Register employees with CNSS before payroll is processed.
3. Apply wage policies consistent with minimum wage and collective agreements in the sector.
4. Implement workplace health, safety and training obligations; keep records for labor inspections.

Step-by-step: visas and work permits

1. Identify correct visa category (short business, temporary work, or residence permit for employees).
2. Gather supporting documents: employment contract, company registration, work permit application, criminal record certificate and medical exam if required.
3. Apply at the Tunisian consulate or through e‑services; timelines vary by nationality and consulate backlog.
4. Upon arrival, apply for resident permit when applicable and register with local authorities.

Notes (Important notes and practical tips)

• Verify official URLs: Many departments publish updates on the central government portal; always confirm links before submitting documents.
• Use local advisors: A Tunisian notary, corporate lawyer and accountant reduce risks and accelerate procedures.
• Time buffers: Allow extra time for notarizations, translations and apostilles—administrative lead times can vary.
• Language: Official forms are often in Arabic or French; provide certified translations when necessary.
• Banking and FX: Prepare for KYC and foreign exchange controls; consult your bank early about capital repatriation rules.
• Data and privacy: Comply with local data protection requirements when handling employee and customer data.
• Record retention: Keep tax, payroll and customs records for the statutory periods to support audits.

SailGlobal — support for overseas operations

For companies seeking outsourced operational support (HR, payroll, administrative follow-up), consider specialist providers such as SailGlobal to handle routine formalities and local liaison, freeing you to focus on core business activities.

Final recommendations

Start with the central government portal to find authoritative department pages, then engage experienced local professionals for company formation, tax registration and labor compliance. Regularly monitor official notices from the Ministry of Finance and the labor authorities to adapt to new administrative or regulatory changes in 2025.